§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of NHS dentists working in the Greater London Authority area. [117822]
§ Mr. HuttonMost people in London can get National Health Service dentistry. Since September 1998 the number of dentists in the London area has increased by 112 and there are now nearly 45 dentists in the General Dentist Service per 100,000 population. This is the highest proportion in the country.
We recognise that in some areas of London it remains difficult to access NHS dental care. Positive steps have already been taken to address this problem. NHS dentists in the London area have had Investing in Dentistry grants amounting to £660,000 and a dental access centre has been opened and three proposals for dental access centres are currently being considered by the NHS Executive. Discussions will continue with the profession at local level to improve and modernise the service.